Adjustable mounting bracket assembly for exterior siding

ABSTRACT

A self-adjusting base member preferably of a mounting bracket assembly is utilized in conjunction with exterior siding that covers sheathing of an exterior wall. The base member of the assembly has a mounting flange secured to the sheathing and a wall arrangement that projects outward with respect to the sheathing and from the mounting flange. Preferably, the wall arrangement supports a raised central panel used for mounting of fixtures. Spaced radially outward from the wall arrangement is at least one flexible drip ledge of the base member. The drip ledge is generally self-adjusting with respect to the thickness of the adjacent siding.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The subject invention generally relates to an exterior siding mountingbracket assembly and more particularly to a self adjusting mountingbracket assembly.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Common in residential building structures, sheathing of an exterior wallis known to be covered with a siding material typically made of cedar,aluminum, plastic or other synthetic material often made to appear likewood. Often, various exterior appendages of the home such as clothsdryer vents, exterior light fixtures, electrical outlets, and waterspigots must be trimmed-out around the siding for aesthetic reasons.This is commonly done with a mounting bracket. One such example of aknown mounting bracket is taught in U.S. Pat. No. 4,920,708, assigned tothe same assignee as the present invention and incorporated herein byreference in its entirety. The known mounting bracket has an internalbase member that snap fits to an external trim member along an axisdisposed perpendicular to the sheathing and during assembly. The basemember has a continuous flange that projects radially outward and istypically nailed to the sheathing under the siding. Projecting axiallyor laterally outward from the flange and to an inner central panel is acontinuous wall. Generally, the wall defines the perimeter of thecentral panel. A cutout communicates through the panel and has a shapegenerally dictated by the appendage projecting through it.

The trim member typically has a continuous partition that projectslaterally and axially inward toward the base member, and anaesthetically pleasing flange that projects radially outward from thepartition. An opening is generally defined by the partition and receivesthe wall and central panel when the bracket is assembled. The partitionis generally shaped to conform with the wall. Multi-positional snap fitfeatures are known to be carried between a radially outward surface ofthe wall and a radially inward surface of the partition. When thebracket is assembled, the close proximity of the partition to the wallcauses the feature to lock the partition and wall together.

During construction of the building, once the base member is secured tothe wall or sheathing, the siding material is installed over thesheathing and over the flange. The siding, however, must be trimmed sothat it is slightly spaced from the continuous wall of the base member.This spacing allows room for entry of the continuous partition of thetrim piece, yet is close enough to the wall of the bracket so that theends are aesthetically concealed by the outer flange of the trim memberwhich is substantially flush to the siding. Unfortunately, the siding istypically exposed to rain or water which flows down the siding andbeneath the exterior flange. This water can accumulate and seep beneaththe concealed ends of the siding and against the mounting flange of thebase member. Accumulation of water directly against the mounting flangecan cause water propagation outward from the wall of the base member andbeyond the mounting flange, thus exposing the sheathing to moisture. Theretained moisture can potentially create a host of problems includingthe rot of wood, disintegration of simulated materials and theattraction of unwanted insects.

To reduce or eliminate this water seepage, various bracket assembliesare known to be self-flashing for diverting water run-off away from thesheathing. One such bracket is taught in U.S. Patent ApplicationPublication No. 2003/0136060 A1, published Jul. 24, 2003 andincorporated herein by reference in its entirety. Unfortunately, mostknown self-flashing bracket assemblies can be mounted in one positiononly. Particularly, oblong or rectangular bracket assemblies must beseparately manufactured with distinct features for horizontal andvertical orientations. This requires separate manufacturingmolds/tooling and can complicate shipping and stocking of the product.To reduce manufacturing tooling and stocking of excessive bracketcomponents (i.e. a distinct bracket for vertical mounting and a distinctbracket for horizontal mounting), a bi-directional mounting bracketassembly is disclosed in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/459,697,titled “Bi-Directional Mounting Bracket Assembly,” assigned to the sameassignee as the present invention, and incorporated herein by referencein it's entirety.

Because different types and designs of siding have varying thicknesses,and because it is aesthetically desirable to position the exteriorflange substantially flush to the siding, multiple bracket componentsmust still be manufactured generally for each siding thickness, thusmultiple manufacturing molds/tooling must be supplied ultimately leadingto high manufacturing costs. Although the above referenced “Bi-directionMounting Bracket Assembly” has directional mounting versatility, it doesnot have versatility in accepting various siding thicknesses.

Yet further, known bracket assemblies that are adjustable for sidingthicknesses require the continuous partition that projects axiallyinward. This partition adds expense in manufacturing. Moreover, theadjustability of such assemblies is still limited in incremental steps(i.e. three thickness positions).

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION AND ADVANTAGES

A self-adjusting base member preferably of a mounting bracket assemblyis utilized in conjunction with exterior siding that covers sheathing ofan exterior wall. The base member of the assembly has a mounting flangesecured to the sheathing and a wall arrangement that projects outwardwith respect to the sheathing and from the mounting flange. Preferably,the wall arrangement supports a raised central panel used for mountingof fixtures. Spaced radially outward from the wall arrangement is atleast one flexible drip ledge preferably having a rigid segment and aresiliently flexible segment that generally and adjustably fans out overthe surrounding siding.

A bi-directional mounting bracket assembly is utilized in conjunctionwith exterior siding that covers sheathing of an exterior wall. A basemember of the assembly has a mounting flange secured to the sheathingand a continuous wall arrangement that projects outward with respect tothe sheathing and from the mounting flange. Preferably, the wallarrangement supports a raised central panel used for mounting offixtures. The wall arrangement preferably has four walls extendinglaterally between the mounting flange and the central panel. Spacedradially outward from the two adjacent walls are respective first andsecond drip ledges, and spaced radially outward from the other twoadjacent walls are respective first and second baffle sets. When theassembly is mounted to the sheathing, a selective one of the two dripledges is disposed substantially horizontally and beneath the wallarrangement for shedding of water. The baffle set adjacent to thehorizontal drip ledge cascades water downward and generally toward therespective wall to channel water upon the selected horizontal dripledge.

Preferably, the wall arrangement of the base member is continuous.Moreover, where a drip ledge does not extend circumferentially about thedrip ledge, a baffle set of the base member does so extend. The baffleset functions to cascade water downward and radially inward against thewall arrangement where the water is diverted further downward and uponthe drip ledge. An exterior trim member or flange preferably snap fitsto the base member for covering the cut edges of the siding, the baffleset, and the drip ledge.

Features, advantages and benefits of the present invention include amounting bracket assembly having a self adjusting base member that iscompatible with a wide range of siding thicknesses. Another advantageincludes a resiliently flexible drip ledge that is versatile and can beused with a wide variety of brackets including bi-directional bracketsand curved or round brackets. Other advantages include improved watershedding capabilities that eliminates or reduces exposure of thesheathing to moisture that could cause damage to structural material andpotentially attract unwanted insects. The assembly reduces or eliminatesof structural maintenance, has a design that is relatively simple,robust and versatile, and is inexpensive to manufacture and easy toinstall.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Other advantages of the present invention will be readily appreciated asthe same becomes better understood by reference to the followingdetailed description when considered in connection with the accompanyingdrawings wherein:

FIG. 1 is an exploded perspective view of a mounting bracket assemblyembodying the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a base member of the mounting bracketassembly;

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a fanned segment of a drip ledge of thebase member;

FIG. 4 is an enlarged partial view of the base member taken from circle4 of FIG. 3;

FIG. 5 is an exploded perspective view of a second embodiment of abracket assembly;

FIG. 6 is an enlarged partial view of the bracket assembly taken fromcircle 6 of FIG. 5;

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a third embodiment of a base member of abracket assembly;

FIG. 8 is an enlarged partial view of the base member taken from circle8 of FIG. 7;

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of a fourth embodiment of a base member ofa bracket assembly;

FIG. 10 is a partial enlarged view of the base member taken from circle10 of FIG. 9;

FIG. 11 is a perspective view of a drip ledge of the fourth embodimentof the base member;

FIG. 12 is partial enlarged view of the drip ledge taken from circle 12of FIG. 11; and

FIG. 13 is an environmental view of the mounting bracket assembly.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

As best illustrated in FIGS. 1-4, an adjustable mounting bracketassembly 20 embodying the present invention generally projects or isexposed through exterior siding, shown in FIG. 13, of a substantiallyvertical wall of any variety of buildings or residential structuresexposed to inclement weather such as rain and/or generally water runoff.The assembly 20 provides an aesthetically pleasing surface for which anyvariety of exterior components can be easily mounted or projecttherefrom. Such components include but are not limited to hose spigots,electrical receptacles, clothes dryer vents, and light fixtures.

The assembly 20 is fastened to a substructure of the exterior wallpreferably sequentially with placement of the siding. The substructureis generally an underlayment or sheathing that is preferably covered bythe siding material. The mounting bracket assembly 20 is generallyself-flashing for the prevention of water seepage beneath the siding,and has a base member 26 secured to the sheathing and a trim member 28that preferably snap fits to the base member 26 along an axis 30preferably disposed substantially perpendicular to the sheathing.

The assembly 20 may take the form of any shape. For instance, theassembly 20 or modified assembly 20″ may be rectangular and havebi-directional mounting characteristics as illustrated in FIGS. 1-3 andFIGS. 7-10 respectively, or yet another modified assembly 20′ may beround as illustrated in FIGS. 5-6, and thus may not need bi-directionalmounting characteristics.

Referring to FIGS. 1-3, the base member 26 may generally be arectangular shape (as oppose to square or round) and can be mounted intwo selective positions, preferably vertical or horizontal. The basemember 26 has a mounting flange 32 and a rectangular wall arrangement 34(see FIGS. 4-6). The flange 32 projects radially outward from the wallarrangement 34 and is typically nailed to the sheathing. The wallarrangement 34 projects axially or laterally outward from the flange 32and preferably to a radially inward and rectangular facial or centralpanel 36 spaced from and orientated substantially parallel to theunderlayment. Generally, the central panel 36 is that portion of thebase member 26 that is exposed through the siding. The wall arrangement34 spans axially outward to a substantially rectangular perimeter 38 ofthe central panel 36. At least one cutout or relief feature 40preferably communicates through the panel 36 and may have a shapegenerally dictated by the component or appendage projecting through it(not shown).

Preferably the rectangular wall arrangement 34 of the base member 26 hasa first wall 50, a second wall 52, a third wall 54 and a fourth wall 56.When the assembly 20 is in a vertical position 58 (i.e. the first andsecond walls 50, 52 are longer than the third and fourth walls 54, 56)and as illustrated in FIG. 1, the first and second walls 50, 52 aresubstantially vertical, thus being left and right side walls,respectively. Similarly, the third and fourth walls 54, 56 aresubstantially horizontal, thus being top and bottom walls, respectively.The flange 32 of the base member 26 has a left portion 60 associatedwith the left side wall 50, a right portion 62 associated with the rightside wall 52, a top portion 64 associated with the top wall 54, and abottom portion 66 associated with the bottom wall 56. Because theassembly 20 is bi-directional, the base member 26 can be rotated aboutninety degrees (counter-clockwise as illustrated) moving the assemblyfrom the vertical position as shown in FIG. 1 and to a horizontalposition (not shown). When in the horizontal position, the longer firstwall 50 is the bottom wall, the longer second wall 52 is the top wall,the shorter third wall 54 is the left side wall and the shorter fourthwall 56 is the right side wall.

Two sets of sloped baffles 68, 70 of the base member 26 are formed toand project axially outward from adjacent portions 62, 64 of themounting flange 32, respectively. When the assembly 20 is in thevertical position 58, the baffles 68 act to channel water generallyradially inward with respect to axis 30 and toward the second wall 52,and baffles 70 are generally not needed at least for the purpose ofchannel water. When the assembly 20 is in the horizontal position, thebaffles 70 act to channel water generally radially inward and toward thethird wall 54, and the baffles 68 are generally not needed. Each set ofbaffles 68, 70 are arranged in a linear fashion generally forming a linethat is spaced radially outward from and substantially parallel torespective second and third walls 52, 54 of the rectangular wallarrangement 34.

Projecting laterally outward from the first or left portion 60 and thefourth or bottom portion 66 of the flange 32 are respective drip ledges72, 74. The elongated drip ledges 72, 74 extend substantially parallelto and are spaced radially outward from respective first and fourthwalls 50, 56. Drip ledge 72 has a substantially rigid shelf segment 76engaged directly to the left portion 60 of the flange 32 and projectinglaterally outward therefrom to a drip edge 78. Projecting laterallyoutward from the drip edge 78 and radially outward with respect to axis30 is a self-adjustable and preferably resiliently flexible fannedsegment or insert 80 of the drip ledge 72. Contiguous to the ends of theshelf segment 76 and the left portion 60 are respective end dams 82, 84for diverting water over the drip edge 78 when the assembly 20 is in thehorizontal position. Similarly, the drip ledge 74 has a substantiallyrigid shelf segment 86 engaged directly to the bottom portion 66 of theflange 32 and projecting laterally outward therefrom to a drip edge 88.Projecting laterally outward from the drip edge 88 and radially outwardwith respect to axis 30 is a resiliently flexible fanned segment orinsert 90 of the drip ledge 74. Contiguous to the ends of the shelfsegment 86 and the bottom portion 66 are respective end dams 84, 94 fordiverting water over the drip edge 88 when the assembly 20 is in thevertical position.

The trim member 28 has an exterior flange 96 that defines asubstantially rectangular hole 97 contoured to accept the central panel36 of the base member 26. The flange 96 has an external surface 98designed to be aesthetically pleasing and an internal surface (notshown) that faces in an axial inward direction with respect to the axis30. Located proximate to each of four corners of the exterior flange 96and projecting in an axial inward direction with respect to axis 30 andfrom the internal surface are four pins 102. Each of the four pins 102are associated with respective bosses 110, 112, 114, 116 of the basemember 26 each having a bore 118 for snug or locking receipt of theassociated pins 102 when the assembly 20 is assembled. Preferably, boss110 carries end dam 84 of drip ledge 72 and of drip ledge 74; boss 112carries end dam 94 of drip ledge 74; boss 114 is generally a cornerfitting between baffle sets 68, 70; and boss 116 carries end dam 82 ofdrip ledge 72.

The flexible fanned segments 80, 90 of the respective drip ledges 72, 74are initially formed or manufactured separate from the respective rigidfirst segments 76, 78 that are preferably made of injection moldedplastic and formed unitarily to the mounting flange 32. Each ledge 72,74 has an attachment feature 120 (as best shown in FIG. 4) carriedbetween the first segments 76, 78 and respective fanned segments 80, 90.Preferably, the attachment feature 120 is a press fit feature and has achannel 122 and an enlarged or barbed base edge or insertion member 124.Preferably, the channel 122 is carried by the drip edges 78, 88 of therespective rigid first segments 76, 86. The base edge 124 is then partof the flexible fanned segments 80, 90. Generally, the segments 80, 90span laterally between the base edge 124 and a distal edge or distalmember 126 of the fanned segments 80, 90.

The flexible second segments 80, 90 each have an outward face 128 and aninward face 130. Preferably, the outward face 128 is convex and theinward face is concave so that the distal edge 126 is orientatedgenerally over and spaced from the siding prior to attaching the trimmember 28 to the base member 26. This simplifies installation andassures proper flexing or bending of the segments 80, 90 when the trimmember 28 is press fitted in place. Preferably, each base edge 124carries two parallel and spaced apart barbs 132 that project outwardfrom the inward face 130 and press fit into the channels 122. The secondsegments 80, 80 may be made of a rubberized or synthetic rubber materialhaving adequate resiliency for a press fit into the channels.Alternatively, one skilled in the art would now realize that the basemember 26 could be made of similar materials yet from a dual injectionmolding process thus alleviating the need to assemble the base member 26manually. Yet further, one skilled in the art would now know that theattachment feature 120 could be any one of a variety of attachmentfeatures including an adhesive, or the barbed base edge 124 could be a“bulbed” edge that press fits into a sufficiently shaped channel.

During installation of the assembly 20, the installer first selects thedesired vertical or horizontal position. When selected, the installerassures that one of the two drip ledges 72, 74 are near the bottom ofthe base member 26. The flange 32 of the base member 26 is then fastenedor preferably nailed to the sheathing. Preferably the mounting flange 32has holes for receipt of nails or screws for this attachment.

With the base member 26 secured to the sheathing, the siding isappropriately trimmed during installation placing the siding over themounting flange 32 and beneath the fanned segments 80, 90 of respectivedrip ledges 72, 74. The siding is also trimmed so that the cut edges areradially outward from and abut or are substantially near to abuttingtabs 140 of each baffle of the baffle sets 68, 70, and abut or aresubstantially near to the shelf segments 76, 86 of respective dripledges 72, 74. With the siding installed, the pins 102 of the trimmember 28 are aligned to respective bosses 110, 112, 114, 116 and pressfitted into respective bores 118. When completely installed, the trimmember 28 covers the cut ends of the siding along with the baffle sets68, 70 and drip ledges 72, 74 of the base member 26 for a pleasingappearance. In addition, the distal edges 126 of the fanned segments 80,90 are resiliently biased between the siding and the flange 96 of thetrim member 28. Preferably, the biasing force of the resilientlyflexible material of the fanned segments 80, 90 generally holds thedistal edges 126 or the outward face 128 against the inward surface ofthe flange 96 of the trim member 28. The fit of the pins 102 to thebosses 110, 112, 114, 116 must have sufficient strength to resist thisforce.

In operation and during inclement weather, water intrusion, or rainwater cascading down the siding from above the mounting bracket assembly20 will flow beneath the exterior flange 96. When the assembly 20 is inthe vertical position 58 as illustrated in FIG. 1, the baffle set 70 isgenerally inactive since gravity will cause water to impinge upon theadjacent top wall 54 regardless of the baffle set's presence. Eachbaffle of the generally vertical baffle set 68, however, has a slopedblade 142 that projects downward from the abutting tab 140 and towardthe left causing the water to cascade downward from one sloped blade 142to the next and until the water is diverted upon the shelf portion 86 ofthe drip ledge 74 proximate to the end dam 94. Any water flowingdownward upon the first portion 60 of the mounting flange 32 issubstantially channeled downward between the vertical shelf segment 76of the drip ledge 72 and the first wall 50 of the wall arrangement 34and is diverted upon the shelf segment 86 of the drip ledge 74 by theend dam 92. All water collected upon the shelf segment 86 flows over thedrip edge 88 and through any space existing between the fanned segment90 and the inward surface of the exterior flange 96 and/or outwardthrough either end of the fanned segment 90. If the assembly 20 ismounted in the horizontal position instead of the vertical position 58as illustrated, operation of the assembly is generally the same exceptthat the functions of the drip ledges 72, 74 are reversed, and thefunctions of the baffle sets 68, 70 are reversed.

Referring to FIGS. 5-6 a modification of the assembly 20 is illustratedwherein like elements have like identifying numerals except with a primesymbol added. The assembly 20′ illustrated preferably has asubstantially round shape, and consequently a bidirectional mountingcapability is generally not advantageous. The flexibility of a secondsegment 80′ is advantageous for circular forms and permits compoundflexing. More particularly, the segment 80′ is easily cupped in both alateral and longitudinal orientation.

Referring to FIGS. 7-8, another modification of the assembly isillustrated wherein like elements have like identifying numerals exceptwith a double prime symbol added. The illustrated assembly 20″ issimilar to assembly 20 because it is bi-directional, self adjusting forsiding thickness, and has generally flexible drip ledges 72″, 74″. Theassembly 20″ is generally a modification of assembly 20 because thefanned segments 80″, 90″ are preferably injection molded plastic made asone unitary piece with the remainder of the base member 26″. Thesegments 80″, 90″ of drip ledges 72″, 74″ are flexible because they eachhave a plurality of living hinges 150 preferably carried or defined onthe outward faces 128″. Moreover and preferably, the attachment feature120″ is also a living hinge and may be carried at least in-part on theinward faces of the fanned segments 80″, 90″.

Referring to FIGS. 9-12, yet another modification of the assembly isillustrated wherein like elements have like identifying numerals exceptwith a triple prime symbol added. The illustrated assembly 20′″ (notshown in totality) is similar to assembly 20 because it isbi-directional and has drip ledges 72′″, 74′″, of the base member 26′″that are self adjusting for siding thickness. Unlike assembly 20, thesegments 80′″, 90′″ of drip ledges 72′″, 74′″ are generally notflexible.

The elongated segments 80′″, 90′″ of drip ledges 72′″, 74′″ arepreferably substantially rigid, made of injection molded plastic, andare generally angular in shape having an insertion member 124′″ and adistal or facial member 126′″. The members 124′″, 126′″ co-extendlongitudinally with one another and both carry an inward face 130′″ thatpreferably defines an acute angle of slightly less than ninety degrees.Each drip ledge 72′″, 74′″ have respective shelf segments 76′″, 86′″that project rigidly outward from a flange 32′″ of the base member 26′″.A channel 122′″ in each shelf segment 76′″, 86′″ preferably has a depththat extends to the base flange 32′″. The width of the channel 122′″ issufficient to snugly receive the insertion member 124′″.

Preferably, a series of elongated barbs or pointed ribs 152 thatco-extend with the longitude of the insertion member 124′″ projectlaterally outward from that portion of the inward face 130′″ carried bythe insertion member 124′″. The elongated barbs 152 are spaced laterallyaway from one another and bear upon a plate member 154 of the shelfsegment 76′″, 86′″ located radially outward from the insertion member124′″ and with respect to axis 30′″ when the base member 26′″ isassembled. Generally, the thinner the siding material, the deeper is theinsertion of the member 124′″ into the channel 122′″ thus the greaterthe number of barbs 152 that actually contact the plate member 154.

Preferably, a series of elongated grooves 156 are defined by an oppositeface 128′″ and in the insertion member 124′″. The grooves 156 are spacedlaterally away from one-another and each extend axially with respect toaxis 30′″ for channeling water axially outward, then downward upon oneof the facial member 126′″. One skilled in the art would now know thatthe base member 26′″ does not necessarily require two drip ledges 72′″,74′″. For the bi-directional feature of bracket assembly 20′″, theassembly may be manufactured with only one drip ledge having a lengththat is sufficient to co-extend with the longest side or channel of thebase member 26′″ (i.e. horizontal position). If the base member 26′″ ismounted in a vertical position as illustrated, the installer would thenbe required to cut-off the excess length of the generic drip ledge. Oneskilled in the art would also now know that the assembly 20′″ need notbe bi-directional and can be of any shape including a curved or circularshape. Thus, the channel 122′″ can be arcuate with a correspondinglycurved drip ledge 74′″.

While the forms of the invention herein disclosed constitute presentlypreferred embodiments many others are possible. It is not intendedherein to mention all of the possible equivalent forms or ramificationsof the invention. It is further understood that the terms used hereinare merely descriptive rather than limiting, in that various changes maybe made without departing from the spirit and scope of this invention asdefined by the following claims.

1. A base member of a mounting bracket assembly used in conjunction withsided exterior walls that have a substantially vertical substructurecovered by siding, the base member comprising: an axis projectingoutward from the substructure; a wall arrangement projecting in an axialoutward direction with respect to the exterior wall; a mounting flangeprojecting radially outward from the wall arrangement with respect tothe axis, wherein the mounting flange is disposed at least in-partbeneath the siding; an elongated first drip ledge spaced radiallyoutward from and co-extending longitudinally with the wall arrangement,and wherein the drip ledge projects laterally and in an axial outwarddirection from the mounting flange and extends a distance generallyequal to or greater than an adjacent thickness of the siding; anelongated first segment of the drip ledge being rigid and projectinglaterally and in the axial outward direction from the mounting flange;and an elongated second segment of the drip ledge being flexible andprojecting at least in-part radially outward to a distal edge.
 2. Thebase member set forth in claim 1 wherein the distal edge is locatedaxially between the siding and a trim member of the bracket assembly. 3.The base member set forth in claim 2 wherein the distal edge is biasedbetween the siding and the trim member.
 4. The base member set forth inclaim 2 further comprising: a drip edge of the first segment; anopposite base edge of the second segment; an attachment feature carriedbetween the drip edge of the first segment and the base edge.
 5. Thebase member set forth in claim 4 further comprising a channel in thedrip edge of the first segment for press-fitted receipt of the baseedge.
 6. The base member set forth in claim 5 wherein the lateral spanof the flexible second segment between the base edge and opposite distaledge is cupped in a natural state.
 7. The base member set forth in claim1 further comprising an elongated second drip ledge orientatedperpendicular to the first drip ledge.
 8. The base member set forth inclaim 7 wherein the base member is bi-directional.
 9. The base memberset forth in claim 5 wherein the base member is circular.
 10. The basemember set forth in claim 1 wherein the flexible drip ledge carries aplurality of living hinges.
 11. The base member set forth in claim 10wherein the base member is a singular and one unitary piece.
 12. Thebase member set forth in claim 11 wherein the base member is injectionmolded plastic.
 13. The base member set forth in claim 1 furthercomprising: a channel in the first segment opened axially outward; andthe flexible second segment of the drip ledge having a horizontal baseedge press fitted in the channel and an opposite distal edge, whereinthe second segment spans laterally downward to the distal edge.
 14. Thebase member set forth in claim 13 further comprising a plurality ofbarbs projecting outward from the base edge and disposed at leastin-part in the channel for press fitted contact with the first segment.15. The base member set forth in claim 14 wherein each one of the barbsare spaced axially away from the adjacent barbs of the plurality ofbarbs.
 16. The base member set forth in claim 1 further comprising: achannel in the first segment and opened axially outward; and theelongated second segment of the drip ledge having an insertion memberfor a press fit into the channel and a facial member projecting downwardfrom the insertion member for overlapping the siding.
 17. The basemember set forth in claim 16 further comprising a plurality of elongatedbarbs projecting downward from the insertion member for a locking fit inthe channel.
 18. The base member set forth in claim 16 furthercomprising a plurality of grooves extending axially with respect to theaxis for channeling water upon the facial member, and wherein eachrespective one of the plurality of grooves are spaced laterally awayfrom an adjacent one of the plurality of grooves.
 19. A mounting bracketassembly for sided exterior walls that have a substantially verticalsubstructure covered by siding, the mounting bracket assemblycomprising: an axis projecting outward from the exterior wall; a basemember attached to the exterior wall and covered in-part by the siding,the base member having an elongated wall arrangement projectinglaterally outward from the substructure and beyond the siding, anelongated and flexible drip ledge co-extending at least in-part with thewall arrangement and spaced radially outward from the wall arrangement;the flexible drip ledge spanning laterally outward to a distal edgelocated at least in-part below the wall arrangement and over the siding;a trim member press fitted to the base member, the trim member having aflange that covers the drip ledge with the distal edge disposed directlybetween the flange and the siding; a resiliently flexible second segmentof the drip ledge having the distal edge; and a rigid first segment ofthe drip ledge being rigid relative to the resiliently flexible secondsegment and spanning laterally outward to the second segment.
 20. Themounting bracket set forth in claim 19 further comprising an attachmentfeature of the drip ledge carried between the first and second segments.21. The mounting bracket set forth in claim 20 wherein the attachmentfeature is a living hinge.
 22. The mounting bracket set forth in claim21 further comprising a plurality of living hinges carried by andco-extending longitudinally with the second segment for flexibility. 23.The mounting bracket assembly as set forth in claim 19 wherein the baseincludes a mounting flange projecting radially outward from the wallarrangement with respect to the axis, wherein the mounting flange isdisposed at least in-part beneath the siding.
 24. The mounting bracketassembly as set forth in claim 23 wherein the drip ledge projects fromthe mounting flange and extends a distance generally equal to or greaterthan an adjacent thickness of the siding.
 25. A base member of amounting bracket assembly used in conjunction with sided exterior wallsthat have a substantially vertical substructure covered by siding, thebase member comprising: an axis projecting outward from thesubstructure; a wall arrangement projecting in an axial outwarddirection with respect to the exterior wall; a mounting flangeprojecting radially outward from the wall arrangement with respect tothe axis, wherein the mounting flange is disposed at least in-partbeneath the siding; an elongated first drip ledge spaced radiallyoutward from and co-extending longitudinally with the wall arrangement,and wherein the drip ledge projects laterally and in an axial outwarddirection from the mounting flange and extends a distance generallyequal to or greater than an adjacent thickness of the siding; anelongated first segment of the drip ledge projecting laterally and in anoutward direction from the mounting flange; a channel in the firstsegment opened axially outward; and a flexible second segment of thedrip ledge having a horizontal base edge press fitted in the channel andan opposite distal edge, wherein the second segment spans laterallydownward to the distal edge.
 26. A base member of a mounting bracketassembly used in conjunction with sided exterior walls that have asubstantially vertical substructure covered by siding, the base membercomprising: an axis projecting outward from the substructure; a wallarrangement projecting in an axial outward direction with respect to theexterior wall; a mounting flange projecting radially outward from thewall arrangement with respect to the axis, wherein the mounting flangeis disposed at least in-part beneath the siding; an elongated first dripledge spaced radially outward from and co-extending longitudinally withthe wall arrangement, and wherein the drip ledge projects laterally andin an axial outward direction from the mounting flange and extends adistance generally equal to or greater than an adjacent thickness of thesiding; an elongated first segment of the drip ledge being rigid andprojecting laterally and in the axial outward direction from themounting flange; a channel in the first segment and opened axiallyoutward; and an elongated second segment of the drip ledge having aninsertion member for a press fit into the channel and a facial memberprojecting downward from the insertion member for overlapping thesiding.